Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing Eric Bledsoe/Terry Rozier matchup

Conclusion

On a very surface level, it’s understandable why the interest in this particular matchup tilts towards Bledsoe’s way.

After all, this will mark Bledsoe’s first taste of playoff action in five years and his first since becoming a starting-level point guard at the bare minimum. The decision to bring in Bledsoe obviously addressed a pressing need in the makeup of the Bucks’ roster but was also made in mind for moments like these.

Given how the opportunity to assert himself on the playoff stage has eluded him in recent years, how the Alabama native responds to his long awaited return back to the postseason adds another wrinkle to what is already an intriguing series.

Of course, this opportunity gives Rozier to make a big impression on the national spotlight and very well could play a factor in terms of his future with the Celtics, seeing that he will be eligible for a rookie contract extension this summer.

With questions surrounding the team’s backcourt such as the impending restricted free agency of Marcus Smart and the injured Kyrie Irving, Rozier’s gradual growth has made him an interesting piece in terms of Celtics’ long-term future and how they can further fortify their core around their cornerstones.

Continuing to play at the level and surpassing expectations as he has since Irving went down would go a long way for Rozier as questions about what his future holds will pick up no matter how the rest of the Celtics’ season shakes out.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Bidding farewell to the BMO Harris Bradley Center

In any event, the Bucks certainly possess the talent edge with a fully formed Bledsoe over Rozier, who may lack the polish to limit Bledsoe from ultimately doing what he wants to do over the course of the series. But like many questions surrounding the Bucks these days, it’ll be on them to exploit that to their advantage.